2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 3
OVERVIEW
Area Name
Edmonson
Access
Brickley
Hollow
Conservation
Area (CA)
Mount Hulda
Towersite
Granny’s
Acres CA
Area
Number
8840
Year
Acreage
Acquired
1988
110
County
Benton
Administrative
Responsibility
Forestry
Maintenance
Responsibility
Forestry
9237
1992
186
Benton
Forestry
Forestry
4705
1947
37.75
Benton
Forestry
Forestry
6520
1965
351
Benton
Forestry
Forestry
Statements of Purpose:
A. Strategic Direction
The primary management emphasis of these areas is to protect and enhance the existing
natural communities while providing public recreation and educational use that is
compatible with those resources.
B. Desired Future Condition
The future desired condition of these areas is high-quality forest and woodland
communities with interspersed native warm-season grasses/forb communities, old fields,
and glades.
C. Federal Aid Statement
Edmonson Access, Brickley Hollow CA, and Mount Hulda Towersite: N/A
Granny’s Acres CA: This area, or a portion thereof, was acquired with Pittman-Robertson
Wildlife Restoration funds to restore and manage wildlife, conserve and restore suitable
wildlife habitat, and provide public access for hunting or other wildlife-oriented
recreation.
GENERAL INFORMATION AND CONDITIONS
I.
Special Considerations
Area Name
Priority Area
Edmonson Access
Cole Camp Creek Priority Watershed
Brickley Hollow CA
Cole Camp Creek Priority Watershed
Mount Hulda Towersite
Lake of the Ozarks Priority Forest Landscape/Big
Buffalo Creek Priority Geography/Cole Camp Creek
Priority Watershed
Granny’s Acres CA
None
Natural Areas
None
None
None
None
2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 4
II.
Important Natural Features and Resources
Area Name
Species of Conservation
Caves
Springs
Concern
Edmonson Access
None
None
None
Brickley Hollow CA
None
None
None
Mount Hulda Towersite
None
None
None
1
Granny’s Acres CA
Yes
None
None
1
Species of conservation concern are known from this area. Area Managers should consult the
Natural Heritage Database annually and review all management activities with the Natural
History Biologist.
III.
Existing Infrastructure
Area Name
Edmonson Access
Brickley Hollow CA
Mount Hulda Towersite
Granny’s Acres CA
Trails (miles)
None
1.4
None
3.7
Radio Tower
None
None
1
None
Parking Lots
1
1
1
1
IV. Area Restrictions or Limitations
Area
Deed
Federal Easements Cultural Hazards Endangered Boundary
Name
Restrictions Interest
Resources
Species
Issues
1
Edmonson
None
Yes
None
None
None
None
None
Access
Brickley
None
Yes1
None
Yes3
None
None
None
Hollow
CA
Mount
None
Yes1
None
None
None
None
None
Hulda
Towersite
Granny’s
None
Yes2
None
None
None
None
None
Acres CA
1
Federal funds may be used in the management of this land. Fish and wildlife agencies may not
allow recreational activities and related facilities that would interfere with the purpose for which
the State is managing the land. Other uses may be acceptable and must be assessed in each
specific situation.
2
Uses of land acquired with federal funds may not interfere with the purpose for which it was
acquired. Federal funds may also be used in the management of this land. Fish and wildlife
agencies may not allow recreational activities and related facilities that would interfere with the
purpose for which the State is managing the land. Other uses may be acceptable and must be
assessed in each specific situation.
3
Records kept with the Missouri Department of Conservation (the Department) Environmental
Compliance Specialist. Managers should follow Best Management Practices for Cultural
Resources found in the Department Resource Policy Manual.
2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 5
MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
V.
Terrestrial Resource Management Considerations
Management of these areas centers on enhancement and management of natural
communities and on maintaining and enhancing forest health and wildlife habitat. Area
maintenance is provided by staff within the Forestry Division.
Challenges and Opportunities:
1) Much of the management work on these areas is focused on the restoration of
natural communities. Restoration work can be a highly labor intensive and
lengthy process, depending on the level of degradation. In most cases, the
woodland stands are overstocked due to fire exclusion and lack of management.
Closed canopy stands resulted in a low diversity of understory plants. Prior to the
start of restoration work, the glades on both Granny’s Acres CA and Brickley
Hollow CA had grown up in eastern red cedar and other woody plants. Removal
of the cedars is labor intensive and impacts the ability to perform the necessary
prescribed burning operations.
2) The majority of the grassland habitat on the areas was formerly pastureland
dominated by non-native tall fescue. Removal of the fescue and conversion to
native grasses and forbs requires repeated treatment and ongoing maintenance.
3) Invasive species are an issue on all of the areas. Efforts to control them are
ongoing and will need to be continued to ensure that populations do not increase
or spread.
Management Objective 1: Actively manage areas to serve as role models for best
management practices that will enhance natural communities and benefit a diversity of
wildlife species associated with grasslands, old fields, glades, woodland, and forest
habitats.
Strategy 1: Conduct a forest inventory to determine management needs.
(Forestry)
Strategy 2: Implement appropriate woodland and forest management activities,
as identified in the inventory. Management work may include, but is not limited
to, mechanical thinning, herbicide application, commercial timber harvest, and
prescribed burning. The goal of any management practice will be the
enhancement of the resources. (Forestry)
Strategy 3: Manage existing woodlands to maintain woody canopy (at <80%)
and to increase herbaceous growth. (Forestry)
2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 6
Strategy 4: Emphasize early successional species, such as bobwhite quail, when
conducting grassland management. Rotating management activities should ensure
adequate acres for brood rearing and nesting cover. (Forestry)
Strategy 5: Retain and protect adequate numbers of den trees within the
woodland and forest habitats. (Forestry)
Strategy 6: Manage existing old field habitat to control woody encroachment and
to promote a greater diversity of native grasses and forbs. (Forestry)
Strategy 7: Restore and maintain glades through appropriate management
activities. (Forestry)
Management Objective 2: Eradicate and/or control the spread of invasive and
undesirable plant species, to the extent that funding and manpower allow.
Strategy 1: Monitor for invasive plants and control or eradicate as situation
allows. This includes annual treatment of Johnson grass, tall fescue, sericea
lespedeza, and Autumn olive. (Forestry)
VI.
Aquatic Resource Management Considerations
These four areas lie within three watersheds: Big Buffalo Creek, Cole Camp Creek, and
Whig Creek. All have several streams up to fifth order running through them.
Brickley Hollow CA is located along the Cole Camp Creek Arm of the Lake of the
Ozarks. However, there are no boat ramps on the area. Boat access was previously
determined to be unsuitable because of the lake’s shallowness at this location.
There are no ponds at any of the areas.
Challenges and Opportunities:
1) All four of these areas are small in size. This poses a challenge when the desired
practice is to manage landscapes on a watershed basis. Due to the fact that land
management within a watershed affects conditions locally and downstream of the
site, the quality of the aquatic resources on these areas may be impacted by land
management practices upstream.
2) Aquatic invasive species, including zebra mussels and bighead carp, have been
found in the Lake of the Ozarks. Brickley Hollow CA is located on the Lake of
the Ozarks. Edmonson Access is approximately 4.3 miles upstream from where
Cole Camp Creek empties into the lake. These areas would serve as good
locations to post information about the negative impacts of these aquatic invasive
species.
2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 7
Management Objective 1: Maintain and protect healthy watersheds by implementing
best management practices.
Strategy 1: Ensure that all management activities adhere to the Watershed and
Stream Management Guidelines for Lands and Waters Managed by Missouri
Department of Conservation (Missouri Department of Conservation, 2009).
(Forestry)
Strategy 2: Maintain adequate stream corridors on area streams in order to
maintain or improve water quality. (Forestry)
Management Objective 2: Inform users of the negative impacts of aquatic invasive
species.
Strategy 1: Inform area users through signage about the hazards and prevention
of spreading aquatic invasive species, in particular, zebra mussels and Asian carp
(i.e., at Edmonson Access and Brickley Hollow CA). (Fisheries)
VII.
Public Use Management Considerations
Challenges and Opportunities:
1) These areas provide the public with excellent hunting, fishing, hiking, and
wildlife viewing opportunities.
2) These areas, especially Edmonson Access, could be utilized for increased
educational and interpretive opportunities.
3) Brickley Hollow CA and Granny’s Acres CA have designated no shooting zones
due to proximity of adjacent homes.
Management Objective 1: Provide the public with hunting and viewing opportunities.
Strategy 1: Maintain parking lots and trails through the areas. (Forestry)
Strategy 2: Ensure areas are mowed and litter is removed according to
Department maintenance standards. (Forestry)
Management Objective 2: Inform public about area regulations.
Strategy 1: Maintain signs according to Department policy. (Forestry)
Strategy 2: Conduct routine patrols to maintain acceptable area use. (Protection)
Strategy 3: Maintain accurate and timely information on the Department’s Atlas
Database. Review information annually. (Forestry)
Strategy 4: Ensure that “No Shooting Zones” are clearly identified at Brickley
Hollow CA and Granny’s Acres CA to minimize conflicts with adjacent
neighbors.
2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 8
Management Objective 3: Improve educational and interpretive opportunities.
Strategy 1: Provide maps and information on area opportunities to the public.
(Forestry, Outreach and Education)
Strategy 2: Work with Outreach and Education consultants in the Kansas City
Region to enhance the usability of the areas for the Discover Nature Schools
program, especially at Edmondson Access. (Forestry, Outreach and Education)
VIII.
Administrative Considerations
Challenges and Opportunities:
1) Department records show no existing easements on any of the four areas. Utilities
are present on all of the areas except Granny’s Acres CA. This discrepancy will
need to be researched.
2) Increasing the acreage of these areas could provide for additional management
and public-use opportunities.
Management Objective 1: Ensure that all easements are properly filed.
Strategy 1: Research existing easements through the Benton County Recorder’s
Office to ensure that easements are properly located and filed. (Forestry)
Lands Proposed for Acquisition:
When available, adjacent land may be considered for acquisition from willing
sellers. Tracts that improve area access, provide public-use opportunities, contain
unique natural communities and/or species of conservation concern, or meet other
Department priorities, as identified in the annual Department land acquisition
priorities, may be considered.
MANAGEMENT TIMETABLE
Strategies are considered ongoing unless listed in the following table:
FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20
Terrestrial Resource Management Considerations
Objective 1
Strategy 1
Public Use Management Considerations
Objective 3
Strategy 2
X
X
X
Administrative Considerations
Objective 1
Strategy 1
X
FY21
FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25
X
2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 9
APPENDICES
Public Input Summary:
The draft Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan was available for a public comment
period July 1–31, 2015. The Missouri Department of Conservation received comments from
three respondents (Appendix A). The Benton County Forestry Areas Planning Team carefully
reviewed and considered these ideas as they finalized this document. A brief summary of public
input themes, including how they were incorporated or why they were not, can be found below.
Rather than respond to each individual comment, comments are grouped into general themes and
are addressed collectively.
Department responses to themes and issues identified through Benton Country Forestry Areas
public comment period
Neighboring landowner requests notification of management changes (burning, excavating,
construction).
We strive to notify neighboring landowners of any operation on the conservation areas that may
have potential impacts to our neighbors, especially when we conduct a prescribed burn. All
prescribed burning is done under specific conditions outlined in an approved burn plan.
Wonders if there are future plans for a boat ramp, campgrounds, and fencing at Brickley
Hollow CA.
Brickley Hollow Conservation Area was initially purchased with the intent of installing a boat
launch. After further investigation, it was found that the lake is too shallow along the property
line for this to be practical.
There are no plans at this time for a campground. The area is relatively small in size and is best
suited as a day-use area.
Fencing on the area has been deemed unnecessary. No livestock are present on the area or on
neighboring property. Boundary lines are marked to notify users when entering and leaving the
area.
Suggests allowing archery hunting in “no shooting” zones.
No shooting zones are designated on portions of the areas that are in close proximity to
neighboring homes. The no shooting zone at Brickley Hollow is 27 acres, leaving 159 acres open
for hunting. At Granny’s Acres, the no shooting zone is 7 acres, leaving 344 acres open for
hunting.
2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 10
Concern about predators affecting quail populations. Suggests predator control.
The predator/prey relationship is complex. As an example, if mammalian predator control is
implemented in a certain locale, that action may lessen the pressure on other predators (mice,
rats, voles, and snakes) that also predate ground nesting birds such as quail. The best solution is
to improve habitat (and to accomplish that on a large enough scale) so that predation is
minimized. Depending on the area, the Area Manager has the option to issue Special Use Permits
to allow the public to legally harvest mammalian predators.
Suggests allowing horseback riding.
Horseback riding is generally reserved for larger areas with extensive multi-use trails that are
regularly maintained. Because these areas are relatively small in size and do not have adequate
trail systems or adequate parking for large trailers, horseback riding is not allowed. Big Buffalo
Creek Conservation Area is in close proximity to these areas and has 6 miles of trails available
for horseback riding.
Suggests allowing electric off-road golf carts to haul deer stands and retrieve game.
Electric off-road golf carts may be used on the areas with a Special Use Permit only if the user
has a mobility disability. Users can apply for a Special Use Permit at the Sedalia MDC office,
2000 S. Limit, Sedalia, MO 65301.
References:
Missouri Department of Conservation. (2009). Watershed and stream management guidelines for
lands and waters managed by Missouri Department of Conservation. Jefferson City,
Missouri: Missouri Department of Conservation.
Missouri Department of Conservation. (2013). Resource policy manual. Missouri Department of
Conservation intranet.
Missouri Department of Conservation. (2014). Missouri watershed protection practice
recommended practices for Missouri: 2014 management guidelines for maintaining
forested watersheds to protect streams. Jefferson City, Missouri: The Conservation
Commission of the State of Missouri.
Missouri Department of Conservation. (n.d.). Missouri atlas database. Missouri Department of
Conservation intranet.
Missouri Department of Conservation. (n.d.). Historic area files, Sedalia Office.
2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 11
Missouri Department of Conservation. (n.d.). MDC online: Missouri Natural Heritage database
records. http://mdc.mo.gov/your-property/greener-communities/missouri-natural
heritageprogram
Appendices:
Appendix 1. Benton County Forestry Areas
Appendix 2. Edmonson Access Area Background
Appendix 3. Area Map of Edmonson Access
Appendix 4. Aerial Map of Cover Types at Edmonson Access
Appendix 5. Brickley Hollow CA Background
Appendix 6. Area Map of Brickley Hollow CA
Appendix 7. Aerial Map of Cover Types at Brickley Hollow CA
Appendix 8. Mount Hulda Towersite Background
Appendix 9. Area Map of Mount Hulda Towersite
Appendix 10. Aerial Map of Cover Types at Mount Hulda Towersite
Appendix 11. Granny’s Acres CA Background
Appendix 12. Area Map of Granny’s Acres CA
Appendix 13. Aerial Map of Cover Types at Granny’s Acres CA
Additional Appendices:
Appendix A. Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan Public Comments
2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 12
Appendix 1. Benton County Forestry Areas
2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 13
Appendix 2. Edmonson Access Area Background
Edmonson Access is located immediately north of Highway H, approximately 8.5 miles
southeast of Lincoln; at Township 41 North, Range 21 West, Sections 15 and 22.
The access is located on Cole Camp Creek which flows into the Lake of the Ozarks and provides
public fishing access to Cole Camp Creek. Anglers have access to approximately 0.4 miles of
stream bank along Cole Camp Creek, and approximately 0.31 miles along Rose Creek, a
tributary of Cole Camp Creek.
Edmonson Access was purchased in 1988 and receives moderate public use. The area includes a
small amount of mature bottomland timber. Much of the remaining area, which was primarily
old field when the property was purchased, has been planted to bottomland hardwoods or has
naturally regenerated.
The area supports good populations of deer and turkey. Deer hunting is allowed by archery
methods only.
Current Land and Water Types:
Land/Water Type
Forest/Woodland
Open Land
Total
Stream Frontage
Acres
Miles
83
27
110
0.71
% of
Area
75
25
100
2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 14
Appendix 3. Area Map of Edmonson Access
2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 15
Appendix 4. Aerial Map of Cover Types at Edmonson Access
2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 16
Appendix 5. Brickley Hollow CA Background
Brickley Hollow CA is located approximately 11.5 miles southeast of Lincoln. Its access is off
Heits Point Avenue. It is in Township 41 North, Range 21West, Sections 34 and 35; Township
40 North, Range 21West, Section 3.
Brickley Hollow CA was purchased in 1992. The area is located on the Cole Camp arm of the
Lake of the Ozarks. The majority of the area is oak/hickory woodlands. Management of the
woodlands has focused on thinning and prescribed burning. The majority of the open land is old
fields, which have been converted to warm-season grasses. There is also one 2-acre glade where
restoration has been implemented.
The area has approximately 1.6 miles of lake frontage, which provides limited bank fishing
opportunities for visitors willing to hike into the area. The area also supports good populations of
deer and turkey. Deer hunting is allowed by archery methods only.
Current Land and Water Types:
Land/Water Type
Forest/Woodland
Old Field/Warm-Season Grasses
Glade
Total
Stream Frontage
Lake Frontage
Acres
Miles
152
32
2
186
1.36
1.61
% of
Area
82
17
1
100
2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 17
Appendix 6. Area Map of Brickley Hollow CA
2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 18
Appendix 7. Aerial Map of Cover Types at Brickley Hollow CA
2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 19
Appendix 8. Mount Hulda Tower Site Background
Mount Hulda Towersite is located adjacent to Highway W, approximately 12.8 miles southeast
of Cole Camp. It is in Township 42 North, Range 20 West, Section 35.
This 37.75-acre forested area was originally purchased in 1947. Originally 40 acres, a 2.25-acre
tract across Highway W was sold in 2013 to an adjoining landowner. For approximately 40
years, a fire tower, used to detect wildfires, was maintained at the site. In 2008, the tower was
dismantled and donated to the Cimarron National Grasslands in western Kansas. The area is now
the site of a Department radio communication tower.
The area supports good populations of deer and turkey. Deer hunting is allowed by archery and
muzzle loader methods only.
Current Land and Water Types:
Land/Water Type
Forest/Woodland
Stream Frontage
Acres
Miles
37.75
0.02
% of
Area
100
2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 20
Appendix 9. Area Map of Mount Hulda Towersite
2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 21
Appendix 10. Aerial Map of Cover Types at Mount Hulda Towersite
2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 22
Appendix 11. Granny’s Acres CA Background
Granny’s Acres CA is located approximately 9 miles south of Warsaw on Day Road. It is at
Township 39 North, Range 22 West, Sections 10 and 15.
Originally a 320-acre parcel, Granny’s Acres CA was acquired in 1965 from the University of
Missouri. The land was purchased with federal Wildlife Restoration funds. Until 2008, the parcel
was landlocked and the Department had no access. In 2008, the Department acquired an
additional 31-acre tract, and a three-car parking lot was constructed for area visitors in 2009.
Thanks to these improvements, visitors can now park at the area and hike in for hunting and
nature viewing.
Managers use prescribed fire and other techniques to restore the area's dolomite glades, maintain
the limestone oak/hickory woodland plant community, and restore the riparian forest along Whig
Creek. These management practices maintain the area's diverse wildlife habitat. The area
supports good populations of turkey, deer and squirrel.
Current Land and Water Types:
Land/Water Type
Forest/Woodland
Glade
Warm-Season Grass Field
Total
Stream Frontage
Acres
Miles
318
19
14
351
1.33
% of
Area
91
5
4
100
2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 23
Appendix 12. Area Map of Granny’s Acres CA
2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 24
Appendix 13. Aerial Map of Cover Types at Granny’s Acres CA
2016 Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan  Page 25
Appendix A. Benton County Forestry Areas Management Plan Public Comments
Received during public comment period (July 1-31, 2015):
We are your neighbor to the north property line of Brickley Hollow CA and are reviewing the 10
year management plan recently published for this area. Would you please email if there are any
upcoming changes to the environment (i.e. Burning, Excavating or Construction) in the near
future. We would really appreciate it! Thank you
I own property against Henry's Acres and the conservation area Brickley Hollow. I was told
previously that these areas would be separated by a fence and I am wondering if that is now part
of the plan. What are the future plans about camp grounds, boat ramp, etc.?
I have some general comments: Note my stomping grounds are In and around Benton County.
First, I would like "no shooting zones" to be evaluated to allow bow hunting. It can be
administered much like the urban hunting zones; e.g. Swope Park in Kansas City, MO. Two, I
am very excited to see an emphasis on quail! However I don't see anything about predator
control in your plans. I have a whole lot of coyotes, which is reducing my small critter
population. Lastly, ATV's and mountain bikes get a lot of press for use of our protected areas.
Which I really don't approve of their use... However Horse trails are neglected or restricted. I
think they benefit areas by blending in to the wildlife. Additionally, these Only Electric off-road
golf cart vehicles are a possible for use. If they do not tear up the trails -- I would suggest
limiting the amount of horsepower which could be used. The idea is to transport not race; e.g.
hauling deer stands, and harvested animals out. You are doing a great job. I wish I could join
the team.